USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes is actively working to expand and develop the national team`s talent pool. As part of this initiative, she has named a 20-player U-23 roster set to participate in a training camp and two friendly matches in Germany. These games are scheduled for May 30 and June 2, taking place at different stadiums near Stuttgart. These fixtures represent the first competitive outings for the restructured U-23 program under Hayes` guidance in 2025.
Hayes commented on the selection, stating, “This is a tremendous chance for our U-23 group to compete against high-caliber opponents in Europe and gain crucial, valuable experience.” She emphasized the commitment to player development through varied experiences, explaining that some players will participate in U-23 matches while others may be called up to the senior WNT as needed. This approach is designed to increase exposure to a wider range of challenging opposition, though Hayes confirmed that the coaching methods and tactical principles will be consistent across both teams.
The U-23 roster will be guided by its own dedicated coaching staff. Heather Dyche, the head coach at the University of New Mexico, will lead the team. She will be assisted by Yolanda Thomas, an assistant coach for Orlando Pride, Stephanie Cox, a former USWNT player and gold medalist from the 2008 Olympics, and Louis Hunt, who serves as a U.S. Youth National Team goalkeeper coach and previously worked with the San Diego Wave.
The 20-player squad includes 15 players who meet the standard U-23 age criteria. In accordance with an agreement with Germany and European U-23 regulations, each team is permitted to include up to five “over-age” players, specifically those born before January 1, 1999.
The roster features a strong professional contingent, with 16 players coming from the NWSL and three from European clubs. Midfielder Evelyn Shores from the University of North Carolina is the sole active college player on the squad.
Notably, ten players named to this roster have scored in the NWSL during the current season. These include Jordyn Bugg and Maddie Dahlien from Seattle Reign FC, Lilly Reale and Sarah Schupansky representing Gotham FC, Kennedy Wesley of the San Diego Wave, Riley Jackson from the North Carolina Courage, Caiya Hanks with Portland Thorns FC, Jameese Joseph of Chicago Red Stars FC, Makenna Morris from the Washington Spirit, and Riley Tiernan playing for Angel City FC.
U.S. U-23 WNT Roster
Goalkeepers (2): Angelina Anderson (Angel City FC; Danville, Calif.), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; Fairfax, Va.)
Defenders (6): Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; El Cajon, Calif.), Lauren Flynn (Utah Royals FC; Arlington, Va.), Emily Mason (Seattle Reign FC; Flemington, N.J.), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; Hingham, Mass.), Evelyn Shores (UNC; Atlanta, Ga.), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave; Rossmoor, Calif.)
Midfielders (6): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain FC, FRA; Grayslake, Ill.), Abi Brighton (Juventus FC, ITA; Beaufort, S.C.), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage; Roswell, Ga.), Samantha Meza (Seattle Reign FC; Balch Springs, Texas), Sarah Schupansky (Gotham FC; Pittsburgh, Pa.), Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina Courage; Frisco, Texas)
Forwards (6): Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC; Edina, Minn.), Mia Fishel (Chelsea FC, ENG; San Diego, Calif.), Caiya Hanks (Portland Thorns FC; Kailua-Kona, Hawaii), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Red Stars FC; Beltsville, Md.), Makenna Morris (Washington Spirit; Germantown, Md.), Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC; Voorhees, N.J.)
Adrian Whitmore